FABTECH Hosts Biggest Atlanta Expo in Show History

FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event, experienced its most successful Atlanta show to date, exceeding attendance, exhibitor and floor space records.

More than 30,800 attendees from more than 70 countries visited Atlanta for this year’s conference, held Nov. 11-13 at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). FABTECH 2014 generated an increase of 40 percent in attendance over the 2010 expo in Atlanta, resulting in a direct economic impact of more than $38.7 million. Nearly 1,500 exhibitors covered more than 550,000 net square feet with live equipment demonstrations and product comparisons to find cost-saving solutions.

“Manufacturing is a vital part of Atlanta’s diverse economy, so hosting FABTECH is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said William Pate, President and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our city welcomed more than $1.5 billion in new attractions and retail developments in 2014, and our continued growth will keep the destination fresh for FABTECH attendees in 2018, 2022 and beyond.”

FABTECH 2014 made an impact on more than just manufacturers from across the world. The FABTECH Expo Cares program donated more than $10,000 to Workshops for Warriors, a non-profit organization dedicated to training, certifying and placing veterans in manufacturing jobs. This was one of several special events that the conference planned to coincide with Veterans Day and show support for military veterans.

“FABTECH is proud to contribute back to manufacturing and support veterans re-entering civilian life,” said John Catalano, FABTECH show manager. “A manufacturing career capitalizes on soldiers’ current talents and work ethic and provides employers with people ready to make immediate contributions.”

FABTECH will continue its four-year rotation in Atlanta with shows at the GWCC in 2018 and 2022. The expo is co-sponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI).

Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization created to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism.